‘We Need Rain:' Dryness Spreads Across the Northern Plains as Crop Concerns Build

The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers shares an update on commodity prices and farmland trends in Nebraska and South Dakota.

STORM LAKE, Iowa (RFD News) — Weather remains a major focus for farmers as attention shifts from planting progress to crop conditions.

Dennis Reyman with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss conditions in his region.

In his conversation with RFD News, Reyman said dryness remains a concern across much of the trade territory, particularly in parts of South Dakota and Nebraska.

“We certainly are dry. Our entire trade territory is either abnormally dry or, worse, especially as you move west and northwest into South Dakota and Nebraska. We need rain.”

Reyman also discussed recent declines in commodity prices and how much of the crop he believes remains to be sold.

In addition, he shared his outlook for land sale activity as the summer selling season begins and discussed land market trends so far in 2026.

Related Stories
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the updates to crop insurance subsidies, additional benefits for new farmers, and eligibility considerations for those entering the program.
Lower hop stocks may support prices in the near term.
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt fertilizer shipments, raising costs and creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers ahead of planting season.
Producer input costs are rising faster than expected — and this latest PPI report does not reflect the last two weeks of geopolitical tension.
Acreage shifts could influence spring marketing decisions.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Reported results include stronger in-season nitrogen response, average yield gains of more than seven bushels per acre and more than $18 per acre in net return.
With deep agricultural ties, Dr. Carrie Castille, a South Louisiana native, aims to support ULM student success and connect rural communities.
Tennessee students share how the program fosters confidence, connection, and a sense of community
This week in Washington, National FFA members are advocating for the agriculture industry on Capitol Hill for National Ag Day.
Up-and-coming stock show competitor Saylor Soechting makes her Rodeo Austin debut, showcasing teamwork, dedication, and the next generation of livestock show competitors.
The Midwest event will feature hundreds of horses and offer nationwide bidding access to participants
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.